BAE Systems to provide stealth technologies to Norway’s Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace
16 July 2021 – BAE Systems has been awarded a £3m contract to provide vital technology for Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missile system on fifth generation F-35 aircraft.
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace is an international leading supplier of defence products and systems, as well as advanced composites, engineering products and repair and overhaul services for aircraft.
Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missile is the only long range sea and land target missile that can be carried internally in the F-35 aircraft.
The new contract will see BAE Systems provide expertise of radar absorbing material and sensor development and technology integration to the highly capable Joint Strike Missile system which is currently being adopted by Norway and Japan.
An advanced missile system is essential in expanding the overall capability of the aircraft, ensuring the F-35 retains its stealth capabilities.
Bob Davidson, General Manager of BAE Systems Advanced Technology Solutions, said: “BAE Systems has a long term relationship with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace over the last 15 years supporting its signature control requirements on the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile programmes.
“This contract award builds on our collaboration and our commitment to provide high standard products and services and we are pleased to provide critical advantage to Kongsberg’s customers around the globe.
“It also shows our ongoing investment in our Towcester facility where the work will be delivered, sustaining highly skilled jobs in Engineering, Project Management and more for at least the next year, with the potential to expand further as sales of the Joint Strike Missile increase.”
Øyvind Kolset, EVP Missiles, Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace said: “BAE Systems is an important partner for KDA and provides vital technology in our missiles. I would like to highlight the good cooperation and professionalism BAE Systems has shown through our long term relationship.”
Kongsberg has also recently placed an order with BAE Systems in Australia to acquire an additional 180 Passive Radio Frequency Sensors (PRS) providing additional capability for its Joint Strike Missile.
This completes the first full rate of production order for 200 PRS sensors and is the result of successful and efficient operations between the two companies over the past five years.
Image courtesy Kongsberg
